kinder, gentler

I think Obama is initiating an era of kinder, gentler politics. He has invited Rick Warren to have the invocation at the Inauguration even though Obama and Warren do not agree on some controversial issues. The new President is reaching out to people with different points of view. Perhaps it is Christ who is motivating him to do that.

We need to be kind to those who are different. Tolerance doesn't mean that 'anything goes.' It means the ability to treat each other with respect. That's what we need. We don't need hostile portrayal of others like this quote I read today:

The two symbols of the Republican Party: an elephant, and a big fat white guy who is threatened by change.
- Seth MacFarlane

This is not necessary.